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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109864  Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
73804  Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology  Level 7  NQF Level 08  144  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with:
  • The ability to carry out research under guidance and mastering the required experimental and technological skills and necessary fieldwork competencies require for this level.
  • Required level of intellectual and theoretical knowledge and insight into problems related to the fields of Zoology and of critical reasoning formulation, analysis and evaluation of specific problems in the fields of Zoology.
  • Reflexive competencies such as innovation, decision making, strategic thinking and organisational skills required for this level.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is a specialisation in the field of Zoology to prepare the learners for research based post graduate study. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in Zoology and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Zoology. Demonstrate reflexive competencies such as innovation, decision making, strategic thinking and organisational skills required for this level. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done in accordance with the University of Johannesburg RPL Policy. In cases of students not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined in accordance with the policy and guideline of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL), learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at University of Johannesburg.

    Entry Level Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the:
  • Bachelor of Science in Zoology National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 and totalling at 138 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8:
  • Fish Histology and Histopathology, 12 Credits.
  • Ecophysiology, 12 Credits.
  • Population Genetics and Biosystematics, 12.
  • Philos and research Methodology in Zoology,8 Credits.
  • Laboratory and Field Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Aquatic Parasitology, 12.
  • Indices-Biotic Integrity of Aquatic Ecosystem, 12.
  • Conservation genetics, 12 Credits.
  • Mammal Diversity 12.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Nature Conservation, 8. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Identify, interpret, analyse and address complex problems, using both routine and advanced skills, conceptual and/or evidence-based enquiry and theory-driven arguments.
    2.Work effectively with others in a team by being answerable for their own work and the work of others.
    3.Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.
    4.Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
    5.Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Zoology.
    6.Evaluate their own and other academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
    7.Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Zoology.
    8.Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.
    9.Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Biochemistry and make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence.
    10.Identify, select and apply a range of research methodologies and methods/techniques to research problem/s in Zoology.
    11.Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research and scholarly or professional literature in Zoology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Collect, identify and generate experimental data effectively and correctly interpret them in terms of current subject information, make appropriate inferences and suitable recommendations on a specific zoological problem and critically assess the problem.
  • Effectively work in groups when collecting, identifying and analysing zoological samples, data or issues and reflect on the effectiveness of group activity.
  • Responsibly plan, manage and execute a short research project, written report, and oral presentation of results.
  • Correctly and effectively identify, locate, evaluate and consolidate relevant literature on a short research project, seminars and study course material and generate and correctly analyse and evaluate acquired experimental data.
  • Subject terminology correctly and informatively and correctly analyse visual and mathematical data statistically and present results in the form of a written report.
  • Effectively and critically use scientific and technological knowledge and skills in analysing zoological problems.
  • Effectively identify and resolve problems in a specific eco-region and reflect on the socio-economic impact on this eco-region by local and national communities.
  • Effectively explore and reflect on a variety of strategies, including critical and analytical thinking, in order to learn more effectively and managing information regarding zoological issues.
  • Effectively participate in and take responsibility for the monitoring and maintenance of the zoological environment locally and nationally.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity towards the conservation of the natural aquatic environment and be mindful of the anthropogenic, cultural and aesthetic influences on the environment.
  • Explore possible educational and Career opportunities in the field of Zoology.
  • Explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of Zoology.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved, essays, computer-based assessments, theory tests, cases and open problems, practical and interpretative skills evaluation, reporting on practical and applications, presentations, analysis and problem solving assessment in the specific field of Zoology as assessment methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Massey University in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Zoology) which is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg in terms of admission requirements and duration of the qualification. The qualification differs in terms of credit weighting and maximum study period.

    The University of Auckland in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Zoology) which is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg terms of the qualification purpose, duration of study, entry requirements and credit weighting. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical articulation options:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Zoology, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.